The MLB kicks off the first weekend of May with a full 15-game slate on Saturday. We take a look at which games are most likely to be scoreless in the first inning, and select a game to avoid when placing no-run first inning prop bets. Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook,
Grace McDermott 2024 record against NRFI: 5-1
Best NRFI bets: Saturday, May 4
Marlins vs. Athletics (-170)
Paul Blackburn takes the mound for the Athletics, and while he has struggled to contain batters in his recent starts, Blackburn has been very solid at home this season, letting up just three earned runs in 19 innings pitched in Oakland. These teams also both rank in the bottom five offenses in MLB in runs per game. Miami averages 3.56, and Oakland averages 3.06, placing them at 26th and 29th, respectively.
Phillies vs. Giants (-130)
Ranger Suarez takes the mound for the Phillies on Saturday. Suarez has one of the lowest ERAs in MLB heading into May at 1.32, and should hold off the Giants in the first inning. Suarez has allowed just one run in his last four starts. The series started off with a no-run first inning. On the Giants’ side, Keaton Winn will start on the mound. While he got off to a shaky start this season, his ERA has significantly improve in his last several starts.
Game To Avoid
Rangers vs. Royals
The Royals’ offense got going on Friday with a seven-run performance. Michael Wacha takes the mound for the Royals — he has allowed eight earned runs in his last 16 innings pitched — and Dane Dunning starts for the Rangers. Both starting pitchers have ERAs over 4.00, and these offenses have the potential to take off at any point. This would be a risky NRFI prop.